Winning an innovation competition can be life-changing. Here are inspiring stories of past winners who turned their ideas into impactful projects—and how you can follow in their footsteps.
1. The Water Purifier That Changed Lives
Competition: Google Science Fair
Winner: Deepika Kurup (2012)
Project: A solar-powered water purification system.
Impact:
- Won $25,000 and global recognition.
- Partnered with NGOs to implement her system in developing countries.
- Now a leading advocate for clean water access.
Key Takeaway: Focus on solving real-world problems with scalable solutions.
2. From Dorm Room to Global Impact
Competition: Hult Prize
Winner: Aspire Food Group (2013)
Project: Sustainable insect farming to combat food insecurity.
Impact:
- Won $1 million in seed funding.
- Expanded operations to multiple countries.
- Featured in Forbes and The New York Times.
Key Takeaway: Think big—even unconventional ideas can win with the right execution.
3. The App That Revolutionized Mental Health
Competition: MIT Solve
Winner: MindRight Health (2018)
Project: A text-based mental health coaching app for underserved communities.
Impact:
- Won $150,000 in grants.
- Partnered with schools and nonprofits to reach thousands of users.
- Recognized by the World Economic Forum.
Key Takeaway: Use technology to address pressing social issues.
4. The Teen Who Tackled Ocean Pollution
Competition: Intel Science and Engineering Fair
Winner: Boyan Slat (2012)
Project: The Ocean Cleanup, a system to remove plastic from oceans.
Impact:
- Raised over $30 million in funding.
- Deployed cleanup systems in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
- Named one of TIME’s “Most Influential Teens.”
Key Takeaway: Persistence pays off—Slat spent years refining his idea before gaining traction.
5. The AI Tool That Transformed Education
Competition: Microsoft Imagine Cup
Winner: Team Oculogx (2017)
Project: An AI-powered app to detect dyslexia in children.
Impact:
- Won $100,000 and mentorship from Microsoft.
- Partnered with schools to implement the tool.
- Featured in TechCrunch and Wired.
Key Takeaway: Leverage AI and data to create impactful solutions.
6. The Student Who Built a Better Prosthetic
Competition: James Dyson Award
Winner: Easton LaChappelle (2013)
Project: A low-cost, 3D-printed prosthetic arm.
Impact:
- Won $45,000 and global recognition.
- Founded Unlimited Tomorrow, a company producing affordable prosthetics.
- Collaborated with NASA on robotics projects.
Key Takeaway: Use accessible technology (like 3D printing) to solve complex problems.
7. The App That Connected Refugees to Jobs
Competition: The Tech Interactive’s Tech for Global Good
Winner: Team Re:Coded (2021)
Project: A platform connecting refugees with local job opportunities.
Impact:
- Won $10,000 and Silicon Valley exposure.
- Expanded to multiple countries, helping thousands of refugees.
- Featured in The Guardian and BBC.
Key Takeaway: Focus on scalability—judges love ideas that can grow globally.
8. The Teen Who Invented a Cancer Detection Tool
Competition: Intel Science and Engineering Fair
Winner: Jack Andraka (2012)
Project: A low-cost test for early detection of pancreatic cancer.
Impact:
- Won $75,000 and international acclaim.
- Published research in major scientific journals.
- Inspired thousands of young innovators.
Key Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to tackle complex, high-impact problems.
9. The Team That Built a Solar-Powered Fridge
Competition: Shell Ideas360
Winner: Team Solaris (2019)
Project: A solar-powered refrigerator for rural communities.
Impact:
- Won $10,000 and global internship opportunities.
- Partnered with NGOs to deploy fridges in Africa.
- Featured in National Geographic.
Key Takeaway: Sustainability-focused projects resonate with judges and users alike.
10. The App That Made Coding Fun for Kids
Competition: Apple WWDC Scholarship
Winner: Tanmay Bakshi (2016)
Project: An app to teach kids coding through games.
Impact:
- Won a scholarship and mentorship from Apple.
- Published a bestselling book on coding for kids.
- Became a keynote speaker at tech conferences.
Key Takeaway: Make learning fun and accessible—judges love educational innovations.
Pro Advice for Students
- “Start small, dream big—every big idea begins with a single step.”
- “Learn from failures—every setback is a stepping stone to success.”
In 2015, I concluded my illustrious career in computing as Professor Emerita at Lawrence Technological University. My journey began in radiation physics research before she made a successful transition to the IT industry, gaining experience across South Africa, the UK, and the US before ultimately entering academia. I am achieving her PhD in Computer Science under the mentorship of Dr. Daniel Teichroew at the University of Michigan. A passionate educator, I dedicated two decades to teaching at both the University of Detroit Mercy and Lawrence Technological University. Even after her retirement, I remain engaged as a Fulbright Specialist and author. An enthusiastic traveler, I embrace the idea that teaching is not only a craft but also a lifelong adventure.